“Vampire power, also called standby power, phantom load, or leaking "Electricity" electricity, refers to the electric power consumed by electronic appliances while they are switched off or in a "Sleep mode" standby mode” [1]. The Vampire Plug, developed by Oliver Poyntz, is a mechanical timer power override switch designed to reduce unnecessary power consumption by reducing the time products are kept charging.

A number of existing devices are available which automatically cut off power to devices once charged. However these tend to be electronic devices which, Poyntz argues, “are costly to make, some use power themselves, will eventually fail due to the nature of electronic devices and are hard to recycle" [1].

To use the Vampire Plug, the user sets the dial to how many hours of power is needed (up to 12 hours) and then pulls the draw string to start the timer. A reminder can be given five minutes before the power is turned off. To obtain more power the user simply pulls the draw string again.

“Two versions have been designed (taking design cues from any vampires’ worst enemy, a bulb of garlic) one is a retrofit that sits between the wall socket and the appliances plug. The other takes the place of a conventional plug allowing manufacturers to instantly improve any of their products green credentials” [1].

This design was one of the Semi-Finalists of the Greener Gadgets Design Competition 2009.

For more information on the Greener Gadgets Design Competition or to view some of the other product design ideas submitted this year visit: http://www.core77.com/greenergadgets/index.php